China Accused of Targeting UK Officials Through LinkedIn

British intelligence agency MI5 has warned that operatives linked to China are using LinkedIn to approach MPs, former officials, and policy experts while posing as recruiters or consultants. According to the agency, the goal is to cultivate contacts and extract sensitive information under the guise of professional networking.

Officials say the operatives rely on fake profiles, including fabricated companies and personas, to lure targets with job offers and travel opportunities. The UK has responded by issuing security briefings and promoting its Think Before You Link tool to help users identify suspicious approaches on professional platforms.